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Sangamon County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Sangamon County?

Inmate records in Sangamon County are official government documents maintained by the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within county correctional facilities. These records document the entire custody lifecycle of an individual from initial booking through release or transfer to another facility.

Pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 730 ILCS 5/3-5-1, correctional institutions are required to maintain "records of persons committed to their custody." These records are distinct from court records, which are maintained by the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk and document legal proceedings. While court records focus on case filings, hearings, and judicial decisions, inmate records specifically track custody status, housing assignments, and institutional behavior.

Inmate record creation begins at the booking process, where demographic information, photographs, fingerprints, and initial charge details are documented. Throughout incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect classification decisions, disciplinary actions, program participation, and medical information. Upon release, final disposition information is added to complete the record.

The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements and provides limited public access to certain information through their inmate roster system.

Are Inmate Records Public In Sangamon County?

Inmate records in Sangamon County are partially public under Illinois law. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/) establishes the public's right to access government records, including certain information about individuals in custody. However, this access is balanced against privacy protections and security considerations.

The following inmate record information is typically available to the public:

  • Current custody status
  • Full legal name
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Current charges
  • Bond/bail amount
  • Next scheduled court date
  • Expected release date (if sentenced)
  • Housing facility location

Certain information is explicitly exempt from public disclosure under 5 ILCS 140/7, including:

  • Medical and mental health records
  • Disciplinary reports
  • Personal identifying information (Social Security numbers, birth dates)
  • Security classification details
  • Victim information
  • Records that would compromise facility security

The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate roster that provides basic information about currently incarcerated individuals. This online resource is updated regularly and serves as the primary method for public access to inmate status information.

For more comprehensive records, members of the public may submit formal requests under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act to the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, though such requests may be subject to redactions based on statutory exemptions.

What's Included Inmate Records in Sangamon County

Inmate records maintained by the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name and any known aliases
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
  • Identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
  • Fingerprints and biometric data
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Race/ethnicity

Custody Information:

  • Booking date and time
  • Arresting agency
  • Intake assessment results
  • Housing assignment history
  • Classification status
  • Disciplinary incidents and hearings
  • Program participation
  • Visitation records
  • Commissary account activity

Charge Information:

  • Current charges (misdemeanor/felony)
  • Charge severity level
  • Arresting agency case numbers
  • Warrant information
  • Prior booking history

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond type (cash, personal recognizance, etc.)
  • Bond amount
  • Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
  • Bond conditions
  • Bond hearing dates

Court Information:

  • Case numbers
  • Court of jurisdiction
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Court outcomes and dispositions

Sentence Information (if convicted):

  • Conviction charges
  • Sentence length
  • Sentence start date
  • Projected release date
  • Good time/earned credit calculations
  • Probation/parole eligibility dates

Release Information:

  • Release date and time
  • Release type (bond, completion of sentence, transfer)
  • Release conditions
  • Post-release supervision requirements

These records are maintained in compliance with Illinois County Jail Standards (20 Ill. Adm. Code 701), which establish minimum requirements for record-keeping in county detention facilities.

Sangamon County Prison System

The Sangamon County correctional system operates under the authority of the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration of the county jail facilities. These facilities primarily house pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings and individuals serving sentences of less than one year for misdemeanor convictions.

It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the Illinois state prison system. The Sangamon County Jail houses individuals who are:

  • Awaiting trial or court appearances
  • Serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically less than one year)
  • Awaiting transfer to state prison facilities after felony convictions
  • Being held on probation/parole violations
  • In temporary custody for other jurisdictions

By contrast, the Illinois Department of Corrections state prison system houses individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences longer than one year.

The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office maintains operational control of all county detention facilities and is responsible for inmate supervision, transportation, and security.

Sangamon County Sheriff's Office
200 South 9th Street
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: (217) 753-6666
Sangamon County Sheriff's Office

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Types of Correctional Facilities In Sangamon County

Sangamon County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves specific functions within the county's detention system:

Sangamon County Detention Facility (Main Jail)
1 Sheriff's Plaza
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: (217) 753-6886
Sangamon County Sheriff's Office

The main detention facility is a medium/maximum security facility with a rated capacity of approximately 285 inmates. This facility houses:

  • Male and female pre-trial detainees
  • Individuals serving misdemeanor sentences
  • Individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities
  • Federal detainees (through intergovernmental agreements)

The facility includes specialized housing units for:

  • Administrative segregation
  • Disciplinary segregation
  • Medical observation
  • Mental health observation
  • Protective custody

Sangamon County Juvenile Detention Center
2201 South Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: (217) 753-6800

This separate facility houses juvenile detainees (under 18 years of age) who are awaiting adjudication or have been adjudicated delinquent. The facility provides age-appropriate housing, educational services, and programming specifically designed for juvenile offenders.

Sangamon County Work Release Center
700 East Adams Street
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: (217) 753-6886

This minimum-security facility houses eligible non-violent offenders who are permitted to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences. Participants return to the facility when not at approved work sites or educational programs.

All facilities operate under the administrative authority of the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office and adhere to standards established by the Illinois Department of Corrections County Jail Standards Division.

Who's in Prison In Sangamon County

The Sangamon County jail system houses a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees:

  • Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
  • Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
  • Persons awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearings, or trial
  • Individuals awaiting sentencing after conviction

Sentenced Misdemeanants:

  • Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of less than one year
  • Individuals serving weekend or intermittent sentences
  • Those participating in work release programs while serving their sentences

Temporary Holds:

  • Individuals awaiting transfer to Illinois Department of Corrections facilities after felony convictions
  • Persons detained on probation or parole violations
  • Those held on warrants from other jurisdictions
  • Individuals awaiting extradition to other states

Special Populations:

  • Individuals requiring medical or mental health observation
  • Those in protective custody due to safety concerns
  • Persons in administrative segregation due to behavioral issues
  • Individuals participating in substance abuse or other treatment programs

According to data from the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, the average daily population fluctuates between 250-280 inmates, with approximately 70-75% being pre-trial detainees. The average length of stay for pre-trial detainees is approximately 23 days, while sentenced inmates typically serve an average of 90-120 days.

The demographic composition of the jail population generally reflects arrest patterns within the county, with disproportionate representation of individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who are unable to post bail. The jail also houses a significant number of individuals with substance use disorders and mental health conditions who receive specialized services during their incarceration.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Sangamon County in 2026

Members of the public seeking information about individuals currently incarcerated in Sangamon County facilities have several methods available to access inmate records. The following procedures are currently in effect for conducting inmate record searches:

Online Inmate Roster Search:

  1. Visit the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster website
  2. No login or account creation is required for basic searches
  3. Enter the inmate's last name in the search field (first name optional but recommended for common surnames)
  4. Review search results showing current inmates matching the search criteria
  5. Select an individual record to view detailed information including:
    • Full name
    • Booking photograph
    • Current charges
    • Bond amount
    • Next court date
    • Housing facility

In-Person Record Requests:

  1. Visit the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office Records Division
    • 200 South 9th Street, Springfield, IL 62701
    • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
  2. Complete an inmate information request form
  3. Present valid government-issued photo identification
  4. Pay applicable fees for printed records ($5.00 per record)
  5. Records staff will provide available public information

Telephone Inquiries:

  1. Call the Sangamon County Jail Information Line at (217) 753-6886
  2. Provide the full name and date of birth (if known) of the individual
  3. Basic custody status information may be provided verbally
  4. For detailed information, callers will be directed to the online system or in-person requests

Illinois Freedom of Information Act Requests:

  1. Submit a written FOIA request to:
    • Sangamon County Sheriff's Office
    • ATTN: FOIA Officer
    • 200 South 9th Street
    • Springfield, IL 62701
  2. Include specific information being requested
  3. Provide contact information for response
  4. Allow up to 5 business days for processing as required by 5 ILCS 140/3

For individuals seeking information about persons transferred to state custody, the Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search provides a separate database of state prisoners.

How To Find an Inmate in Sangamon County for Free?

Locating an individual currently in custody in Sangamon County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods. The following resources are available to the public without fees:

Sangamon County Sheriff's Online Inmate Roster:

  1. Access the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster from any internet-connected device
  2. Enter the inmate's last name (adding first name improves accuracy)
  3. Review results showing all current inmates matching search criteria
  4. The roster is updated multiple times daily and includes:
    • Current custody status
    • Booking photograph
    • Charges
    • Bond information
    • Next court date

Automated Telephone Information System:

  1. Call the Sangamon County Jail Information Line: (217) 753-6886
  2. Follow voice prompts to search by inmate name
  3. Available 24 hours daily
  4. Provides basic custody status and visiting information

Illinois Victim Notification System (VINE):

  1. Visit www.vinelink.com or call 1-866-566-8439
  2. Select Illinois as the state
  3. Enter the inmate's name
  4. Receive custody status information for county and state facilities
  5. Optional registration for custody status change notifications

Sangamon County Circuit Clerk Court Records:

  1. Visit the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk website
  2. Search court records by defendant name
  3. Review case information including custody status indicators
  4. Note upcoming court dates that may indicate current incarceration

Illinois Department of Corrections Lookup:

  1. For inmates who may have been transferred to state custody, visit the IDOC Inmate Search
  2. Enter the individual's name
  3. Review results to determine if the person is in state custody

These free resources provide the most current information available about individuals in custody. Information is typically updated within 24 hours of status changes, including new bookings, releases, or transfers to other facilities.

How To Visit an Inmate In Sangamon County

The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office maintains specific policies governing visitation with individuals incarcerated in county facilities. These procedures ensure security while facilitating important family and community connections for inmates.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

  • All visitors must be 18 years or older with valid government-issued photo identification
  • Minors may only visit when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
  • Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list (maximum of 8 visitors per inmate)
  • To be added to a visitor list, inmates must submit visitor request forms during their incarceration
  • Visitors with felony convictions must receive advance approval from facility administration
  • All visitors are subject to security screening including metal detection and personal item inspection

Visit Schedule:

  • General Population:
    • Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Special Housing Units:
    • Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Work Release Center:
    • Saturday and Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • No visits on county holidays
  • Visits limited to 30 minutes per session, one visit per visiting day

What to Bring:

  • Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
  • Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
  • Medication required during visit (must be declared and approved)
  • Up to $50 in cash for inmate account deposits (exact change recommended)

What NOT to Bring:

  • Weapons of any kind
  • Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, cameras, smartwatches)
  • Tobacco products or smoking materials
  • Outside food or beverages
  • Purses, bags, or backpacks
  • Excessive jewelry or accessories
  • Controlled substances or alcohol

Dress Code:

  • Conservative attire required
  • No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
  • No gang-related colors or symbols
  • No clothing with offensive language or images
  • No hats or head coverings (religious exceptions with prior approval)
  • Shoes and shirts required

Visit Types:

  • Contact visits are not permitted in the main detention facility
  • All general visits occur through secure video visitation terminals
  • Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) occur in designated non-contact booths
  • Special medical visits may be authorized by the facility administrator

Visit Restrictions:

  • Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
  • Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
  • Violation of facility rules may result in visitation privileges being suspended
  • Pursuant to 730 ILCS 5/3-8-7, visitation privileges may be restricted as a disciplinary measure

For additional information or special circumstances, contact the Sangamon County Jail Visitation Office at (217) 753-6886 during regular business hours.

How To Send Money to a Sangamon County Inmate

Individuals incarcerated in Sangamon County facilities maintain inmate trust accounts that allow them to purchase commissary items and pay for services. Several methods are available for depositing funds into these accounts:

Lobby Kiosk Deposits:

  • Available in the main jail lobby at 1 Sheriff's Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701
  • Hours: 24 hours daily
  • Accepts cash and credit/debit cards
  • Maximum deposit: $300 per transaction
  • Processing fee: $2.50 per transaction
  • Funds available in inmate accounts within 1 hour

Online Deposits:

  • Visit Access Corrections
  • Create an account or log in
  • Select "Sangamon County Jail" as the facility
  • Enter inmate information and payment details
  • Maximum deposit: $300 per transaction
  • Processing fee: $3.95 for deposits up to $100; $6.95 for deposits $100.01-$300
  • Funds available in inmate accounts within 24 hours

Telephone Deposits:

  • Call 1-866-345-1884
  • Follow automated prompts
  • Provide inmate information and payment details
  • Maximum deposit: $300 per transaction
  • Processing fee: $4.95 for deposits up to $100; $7.95 for deposits $100.01-$300
  • Funds available in inmate accounts within 24 hours

Mail-In Money Orders:

  • Make money order payable to: Sangamon County Jail Inmate Trust Fund
  • Write inmate's full name and booking number on money order
  • Mail to:
    • Sangamon County Jail
    • Inmate Trust Account
    • 1 Sheriff's Plaza
    • Springfield, IL 62701
  • Maximum deposit: $500 per money order
  • No processing fee
  • Funds available in inmate accounts within 7-10 business days

Amount Limits:

  • Maximum weekly deposit limit per inmate: $500 (combined from all sources)
  • Maximum account balance allowed: $1,000
  • Excess funds may be placed in a reserve account or returned to sender

Fees:

  • All electronic deposit methods incur processing fees (detailed above)
  • Money orders have no processing fees
  • Inmates are charged a $2.00 monthly account maintenance fee

What Money Cannot Be Used For:

  • Bond/bail payments (must be processed separately through court system)
  • Payment of fines or court costs
  • Transfers to other inmates
  • Outside purchases beyond approved commissary vendors

Approved Inmate Purchases:

  • Commissary items (hygiene products, snacks, writing materials)
  • Phone calls
  • Electronic messaging services
  • Approved educational materials
  • Medical co-pays

Pursuant to 730 ILCS 5/3-4-3, all inmate trust funds are subject to deductions for outstanding financial obligations including restitution, court costs, and child support before funds become available for discretionary spending.

How To Send Jail Mail In Sangamon County

Correspondence with individuals incarcerated in Sangamon County facilities is permitted but subject to specific regulations to maintain facility security and safety. The following guidelines apply to all mail sent to inmates:

General Mail Guidelines:

  • All incoming mail must include:
    • Inmate's full name and booking number (if known)
    • Sender's full name and complete return address
    • Mail without proper identification will be returned to sender
  • Address mail to:
    • Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number
    • Sangamon County Detention Facility
    • 1 Sheriff's Plaza
    • Springfield, IL 62701

Permitted Mail Items:

  • Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
  • Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
  • Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4"x6" or smaller, no Polaroids)
  • Money orders (see money sending section for details)
  • Legal documents
  • Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

  • Packages of any kind
  • Padded or oversized envelopes
  • Plastic, cloth, or metal items
  • Stickers or adhesive labels
  • Crayon or marker writings
  • Perfumed or scented items
  • Cash or personal checks
  • Stamps or envelopes
  • Pornographic materials
  • Publications not directly sent from publisher
  • Any items creating a security or safety concern

Mail Processing:

  • All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband
  • Mail is typically distributed to inmates within 48 hours of receipt
  • Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies is opened in the inmate's presence
  • Mail may be photocopied with originals placed in inmate property

Electronic Messaging:

  • Secure electronic messaging is available through Access Corrections
  • Messages limited to 2,000 characters
  • Cost: $0.50 per message
  • Photos may be attached for additional fee
  • All electronic messages subject to same content restrictions as physical mail

Mail Restrictions:

  • Pursuant to 20 Ill. Adm. Code 701.180, mail may be rejected if it:
    • Contains threats or plans for criminal activity
    • Contains gang-related content or symbols
    • Describes manufacturing of weapons, drugs, or explosives
    • Contains obscene materials as defined by Illinois law
    • Presents a threat to facility security
  • Rejected mail is returned to sender with explanation

Publications:

  • Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from publisher or authorized retailer
  • Soft-cover publications only (hardcover books not permitted)
  • Subject to content review by facility staff
  • Limited to 3 publications in possession at one time

For questions regarding mail policies, contact the Sangamon County Detention Facility at (217) 753-6886 during regular business hours.

Lookup Inmate Records in Sangamon County

Sangamon County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster

Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search

Sangamon County Sheriff's Office

Sangamon County Circuit Court

Sangamon County Government